Striae (stretch marks) often follow weight gain or pregnancy. This image displays striae (stretch marks). The thinned skin in striae has a wrinkled, crepe-paper-like appearance. This image displays bright red striae (stretch marks) in parallel lines, as is typical in early instances. This image displays pink striae (stretch marks) on a back. This image displays striae (stretch marks), which are common in pregnant women. This image displays striae (stretch marks) that were a side effect of treatment for psoriasis. This image displays extensive striae (stretch marks) on the leg. This image displays striae in the groin area of a rapidly growing young man.
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Stretch Marks (Striae)  Information for adults

Picture of Stretch Marks (Striae): Striae (stretch marks) often follow weight gain or pregnancy. Divider line
Striae (stretch marks) often follow weight gain or pregnancy.
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Signs and Symptoms
Stretch marks are usually seen on the belly and breasts during pregnancy; the thighs and lower back of adolescent men; and the thighs, buttocks, and breasts of adolescent women. They are common on the shoulders of bodybuilders. Lesions may be widespread or occur in other locations in people who are using corticosteroids or have an underlying disease.

Stretch marks change in appearance with time. At first, they are faint pink, appearing in a line (linear), or they are parallel band-like marks, which might be slightly itchy. They gradually enlarge and become red to purple, often with a wrinkled surface. Finally, they become white, slightly flatter (depressed), with a crepe paper appearance of linear marks 1-10 mm wide and many centimeters long.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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